I met Adam on Twitter just before
Christmas and my first reaction to the write up of his book was “Ooh – look at
this! A book about cycling and France and food/wine too. Does it get any better
than this?” Well, having read the book I can tell you, yes it does. Adam’s
book, like so many other good books on travelling in France that I have read
(and I have read a lot), inspires me to get out and see more of France.
However, for me at least, Adam brought an extra element of excitement as his
‘way’ makes the adventure seem really do-able. Each of his six routes is covered
in about eight days and his daily distance of about 100km would be achievable
by us (with a bit of effort put in beforehand). His bike isn’t weighed down
with tent and sleeping bag as with a bit of careful planning he finds good
value hotels each night – much like we do for our road trips in the Mini. I
admire (almost to the point of jealousy) those who can take off with all they
need for the next six weeks strapped to their bike. However they all have
stories to tell of nights of little or no sleep under canvass for all sorts of
reasons and they have made me realise it’s not for me. I don’t do sleepless
nights and I know I couldn’t cycle all day following a sleepless night. Adam
has made it seem OK to have a cycling adventure and stay in a bed each night with
access to a private shower with hot water on arrival and before you leave.
Thanks Adam.

Add to this Adam’s experience of
travelling and writing about France for the Holiday Which? guides for many years
and you have a great read with lots of interesting information, including
places to stay and eat, along the way. Adam is also the only other person I
have ever encountered who has mentioned travelling with The Red Book (France 2012 MICHELIN Guide (Michelin Guides))
,
just like we do.I would be
interested to know do you travel with yours?

The one downside, as far as Ade
is concerned is that he now has a bouncy, excitable wife nagging him about how
fantastic it would be to cycle the 600km triangle from home to Nantes to Tours
(via the rivers and chateaux of the Loire) to home again, this summer.

My big adventure?

Adam, thanks for sending me the book and if you are ever planning
another cycling trip in France and you need a ‘Girl-Friday’ I’m your man!

You can see more on Adam’s
adventures, including photos at http://www.france2wheels.com France on Two Wheels is published by Short Books Ltd and is available in paperback and ebook format from all good booksellers and online. Here is the Amazon link.

Find me on Goodreads

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